Dublin Nightclub ‘Unreservedly Apologise’ for Treatment of Wheelchair User by Security Staff

It was billed as the nightclub that would ‘bring the stars out’ less than a month ago, but new Dublin night spot Madison has attracted a very unwelcome form of attention this past weekend, as bosses have been forced to apologise for the treatment of a wheelchair user by their security staff on Saturday night.

Graham Bolger posted a picture of himself outside Madison’s doors on the club’s Facebook page on Sunday along with a message saying: 

“Last night I was refused entry to Madison nightclub in Dublin on the grouds that I was in a wheelchair...and that was just the start of my 45 min ordeal of extreme discrimination at the hands of their staff.

In my 8 years adventuring in a chair i have never been refused entry to any venue anywhere in the world from boats to cliff top castles, festivals to beach clubs, car rallys to deep sea dives. well done Madison. Youve just stepped in the ring with one very determined person.” [SIC]

Graham posted this picture of himself outside the club to their Facebook page

The comment attracted thousands of likes, shares and comments, with many Facebook users posting messages of support for Bolger while criticizing the behavior of the security staff of the club. 

Late Sunday evening the club posted their response, which read:

“Madison Nightclub unreservedly apologise for the disgraceful treatment of Graham Bolger last night at the club. The person, who was with us from an outside agency for the last 4 weeks, has been dismissed with immediate effect and he will not be employed by the sub-contractor again. Our company policy is that the club is open to all. We have welcomed people of all abilities and will continue to do so. We are ashamed and embarrassed that this has happened. We have delayed posting here as we have been trying to contact Graham directly to apologise to him in advance of apologising publicly. We deeply regret what has happened and will ensure that it never happens again. We hope to speak to Graham directly as soon as possible.” 

While some have spoken in support of the club following the apology, the club’s social media page has continued to attract messages from disgruntled members of the public throughout the night and this morning.  

The club, which is located on Dublin's Wicklow Street, has played host to many familiar faces from Irish showbiz circles since its opening on February 2^nd.